Home HPV and STI Tests Double Screening for NC Women

Women across North Carolina are getting the health screenings they need without ever stepping into a clinic, thanks to a new approach that puts testing directly in their hands.

Researchers from UNC School of Medicine sent at-home testing kits to 327 low-income women in 22 counties who were overdue for cervical cancer screening. The kits tested for HPV and other sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis all at once.

The results revealed something important. Nearly one in six women tested positive for an STI, the same rate as HPV. About 2% had both infections, highlighting how many cases go undetected when women can't access traditional clinic screenings.

Dr. Anisha Ganguly, an assistant professor at UNC School of Medicine, explained why this matters. "The findings from this study highlight the power of putting testing in the hands of women historically marginalized from our health care system," she said. By removing barriers like travel time, clinic hours, and discomfort with in-person exams, more women get the care they need.

The response from participants tells the real story. More than 80% said they would prefer future tests that screen for both HPV and STIs at the same time. They appreciated the convenience and privacy of testing at home.

Among those who tested positive, about two-thirds received follow-up care. While that shows room for improvement, it's a significant start for women who previously received no screening at all.

Professor Jennifer Smith from UNC's Gillings School notes that previous research found mailing self-collection kits doubles cervical cancer screening rates. "This points toward a future as a combined testing platform—one and done for women," she said.

The Ripple Effect

This approach could transform preventive care for millions of American women who face barriers to clinic visits. Women who skip cervical cancer screenings often face the same obstacles to STI testing, whether that's lack of transportation, inflexible work schedules, childcare responsibilities, or simply living far from medical facilities.

Early detection means faster treatment, which reduces health complications and stops infections from spreading. By catching diseases before symptoms appear, home testing helps prevent serious conditions like cervical cancer, infertility, and other long-term health problems.

The streamlined approach also makes healthcare more equitable. The study found that non-Hispanic Black women, those with multiple partners, single women, and current smokers showed higher STI rates, yet these groups often have the least access to traditional screening.

By combining multiple tests into one mail-in kit, researchers created a simple solution that meets women where they are. No appointments to schedule, no time off work, no judgment.

The study shows that small changes in how we deliver healthcare can have outsized effects on catching diseases early and connecting more women to the care they deserve.